Why Do So Many People Live in Santa Cruz and Work in the Bay Area?

I was raised in Santa Clara County, so I know life over the hill well.

When it came time to buy my first home, I chose Santa Cruz County.

For more than 10 years, I commuted to work in Santa Clara County. Depending on where I was working, that meant driving Highway 17, Highway 9, or sometimes Skyline Boulevard (Highway 35) to Highway 1 when I needed to get to a San Francisco office.

Was the commute always fun? No.

Did I ever sit in traffic? Of course.

But I never regretted choosing Santa Cruz County as home.

In fact, I remember a feeling that would hit me almost every day on the drive home. As soon as I caught the scent of the redwoods while driving through the mountains, or later, the ocean breeze when I lived closer to the coast, I felt myself relax. I knew I was home.

That feeling never really went away.

 

And looking back, I think that’s why so many people choose to live in Santa Cruz while working elsewhere. They’re not just buying a house. They’re choosing a lifestyle.

But lifestyle isn’t the only factor.

Here are some of the most common reasons buyers tell me they choose Santa Cruz over living closer to their Bay Area workplace.

Better Weather

Santa Cruz enjoys a mild coastal climate year-round. While temperatures over the hill can climb into the 90s or even 100s during the summer, many Santa Cruz neighborhoods benefit from cooler ocean air.

For many people, being able to enjoy the outdoors throughout the year is a major quality-of-life benefit.

Access to Outdoor Recreation

One of the biggest draws of Santa Cruz is how easy it is to get outside.

Residents can:

• Walk along West Cliff Drive
• Explore Henry Cowell Redwoods
• Hike at Wilder Ranch
• Surf at Pleasure Point
• Spend time at beaches throughout Monterey Bay
• Mountain bike, paddleboard, kayak, or simply enjoy being outdoors

Many buyers tell me they want their free time to feel different from their workday, and Santa Cruz makes that possible.

Remote and Hybrid Work Changed the Equation

When I was commuting, most people worked in the office every day.

Today, many professionals work remotely or follow hybrid schedules that only require a few trips to the office each week.

That flexibility has made Santa Cruz an attractive option for buyers who want access to Bay Area careers without living in the middle of Silicon Valley.

Community and Lifestyle

Santa Cruz has a unique character that many people find hard to describe until they’ve lived here.

It’s a place where farmers markets are busy, local businesses are supported, outdoor recreation is part of everyday life, and people tend to place a high value on work-life balance.

Many buyers aren’t looking for the shortest commute possible. They’re looking for a place that feels like home.

Diverse Housing Options

Santa Cruz County offers a variety of housing choices depending on your lifestyle.

Some buyers are drawn to beach neighborhoods and walkability. Others prefer the privacy of the mountains. Some want a family-friendly neighborhood close to schools, while others are looking for a low-maintenance condo near the coast.

From beach cottages and townhomes to mountain retreats and larger rural properties, there is a wide range of housing options throughout the county.

What About the Commute?

Let’s be honest: this is usually the biggest question.

Highway 17 traffic can be challenging, especially during peak commute hours, bad weather, or holiday weekends. Depending on where you live and where you work, commute times can vary significantly.

For some people, that’s a deal breaker.

For others, the lifestyle benefits make the commute worthwhile.

Only you can decide whether the tradeoff makes sense for your situation.

Why Many People Decide It’s Worth It

After living both over the hill and in Santa Cruz County, I’ve seen firsthand why so many people make this choice.

They’re not simply buying a home.

They’re choosing cooler weather, easier access to nature, weekends at the beach, walks through the redwoods, and a lifestyle that feels different from the pace of much of the Bay Area.

For many people, that’s worth a longer drive to work.

It certainly was for me.

Thinking About Making the Move?

Whether you’re relocating from Silicon Valley, working remotely, or simply exploring your options, I’d be happy to help.

As someone who grew up in Santa Clara County, purchased a home in Santa Cruz County, and spent more than a decade commuting over the hill, I understand both the challenges and rewards of making Santa Cruz home.

If you’d like to learn more about neighborhoods, commute considerations, schools, or housing options, let’s connect.

Suzie Thomas
Coldwell Banker Realty
Serving Santa Cruz County